
4 0 c m
34cm
actual image size: 26cm x 32cm
Description
The box is made of black ebonite and has hinged flaps for opening. The top is decorated with a Jubilee portrait of Queen Victoria and the reverse is marked with 'R' encircled by a leaf and flower decoration. In the mid 19th century it was found that reacting soft, sticky natural rubber with sulphur (vulcanisation), produced a dark, hard, mouldable material called 'vulcanite' or 'ebonite'. This became an important electrical insulator and was also moulded to make objects such as brooches, pipe stems and this matchbox, and eventually, tyres.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10304935
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library